Living without money — Is that the best answer to peace and happiness?

Is it possible to feel rich without possessions? Can you live happily without money? In the documentary Living Without Money, we meet the German woman Heidemarie Schwermer who made a deliberate choice to live without money 14 years ago.

I embraced a life without money at 19 when I became a monk, committing to minimal possessions, no property, and no bank account. This lifestyle mirrored Heidemarie Schwermer’s choice, emphasizing spiritual wealth over material.. Schwermer has done, but when I took a vow to be a monk at age 19, that came with the condition that I would have very few possessions, would not own property, nor have a bank account, etc.

I had not actually had a bank account even before I became a monk, preferring to trade in cash only. Very old school, you might say. In any case, throughout my time as a monk (14 years) I traveled to at least 40 countries, without ever having a bank account, credit card or health insurance. I totally depended upon the mercy of God for my maintenance in exchange for the service I would render. I would collect money, but always used it for service and never for personal gain. You may be shocked to learn that I never actually opened a bank account or owned a credit card until I was 34 years old.Living free from money’s control was liberating, a feeling I grew accustomed to. However, leaving monkhood and marrying revealed the complexities of modern life and the role money plays. Suddenly, an avalanche of responsibility hit me like a ton of bricks. The complexity of modern lifestyle finally caught up with me. I was trapped like everyone else, it seemed. At least externally.

Money is Energy

It has been 18 years since I left the simple lifestyle of monkhood, but many of the lessons learned still remain strong. Although I now accept money to function in this world, I am certainly not attached to it like most people are. I understand money to be energy, something we use to effect change. However, even though this is a healthy way to view money, it does not dismiss the fact that the economic system that rules this world is exploitive and damaging at its core to the vast majority of the population. Just like a knife in the hands of a gangster can cause harm and yet that same knife in the hands of a trained surgeon can save a life; similarly, money in the control of a sinister, self-serving person can cause havoc while that same money in the hands of a great humanitarian can do miracles.

Heidemarie Schwermer and others show us that happiness doesn’t require being bound to a fragile economic system; there are alternative paths to fulfillment.. We can be happy without money. That is a good thing. The problem, however, is how to move enough people to embrace that paradigm without causing harm. We have all become so dependent on paper money. Time is the great healer though and I am sure that in time, this paper system will collapse and a more conscientious and service-based economy will take over. When that happens, is anyone’s guess, but it’s certainly possible, based on the example of Ms. Schwermer and my own personal experience.

Service-based economy

Years ago, I explored creating BARTZ, a barter-based economic system, aiming to promote a service-focused economy. I developed the service-based model and was preparing to launch a website to see how it would take hold. Sadly, it never got off the drawing board. I am sure I am not the first to fail in this regard, but maybe, just maybe, people like Ms. Schwermer can inspire enough of us to follow through and believe in the power of one person to make a real difference and affect change.

The Secret is in the Kitchen

I hope this is true and have dedicated a large part of my life moving in that hopeful direction with my work at Food for Life Global. Our mission, though idealistic, is achievable as it rests on universal truths, emphasizing the power of food to unite and heal. Everyone eats and food is central to every culture on the planet. Therefore, is it not logical that the solution for real change can be found right in the kitchen? The only thing missing with this notion is the spiritual message that the unconditional sharing of food conveys and that is exactly where Food for Life Global sets itself apart from other non-profit organizations.We are not a food relief organization, although we sometimes categorize ourselves that way for convenience. We are in fact, a peace organization, with our preferred method of establishing peace being, to liberally share the purest of food. When pure food is cooked with love and then served with love, we communicate through our actions, that we love you; we care about you; we are all family. That is the message that is most needed today — in a world so divided by race, color, religion, and economics. We are all spiritually equal.

How does this relate to living without money? If we embraced spiritual equality, issues like poverty and hunger could vanish, aligning with the ideals of a money-free life. Essentially, we would be achieving the same results that Ms. Schwermer and others are aiming for, but in a way that is both culturally and spiritually significant to every human on the planet. And might I add, way more socially acceptable and enjoyable. The transformative power of food should never be underestimated; it can bridge divides and foster unity.

Visit the Food for Life Global website

FAQ

Q: Can you truly live without money?

A: Yes, it is possible to live without money by adopting a minimalist lifestyle, relying on bartering, and focusing on community support. Heidemarie Schwermer’s life is an example of this alternative way of living.

Q: What are the benefits of living without money?

A: Living without money can lead to a simpler, less stressful life, fostering deeper connections with others and the environment. It encourages creativity, resourcefulness, and a focus on non-materialistic values.

Q: How does living without money affect happiness?

A: Many find that living without money shifts their focus from material wealth to personal fulfillment and relationships, often leading to greater happiness and peace.

Q: Is it feasible to adopt a barter-based economy?

A: While challenging, a barter-based economy is feasible on a small scale. It requires community participation and a shift in mindset from monetary transactions to service and skill exchanges.

Q: What role does food play in a money-free lifestyle?

A: Food is central to a money-free lifestyle, serving as a means of connection and community building. Sharing meals can promote peace and equality, as seen in initiatives like Food for Life Global.

Q: How can one start living without money?

A: Begin by reducing expenses, decluttering possessions, and exploring alternative ways to meet needs, such as bartering, volunteering, and community support networks.